Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Common Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a common and serious digestive issue. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, the treatment plan typically takes into account your specific signs and the duration of the disease up to now. In most cases, it is possible to combine lifestyle changes with a variety of prescription and OTC medications. In more severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove the affected part. Below are the 10 most common treatments for ulcerative colitis.

Immune System Suppressors

As the name implies, these powerful drugs can be used to suppress your immune system and alleviate inflammation caused by autoimmune disease. They are often taken by mouth as tablets. You can also combine with corticosteroids for better results. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine are the most common immune system suppressors to treat ulcerative colitis. However, they would be harmful to your pancreas and liver. Some other possible options include cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf), vedolizumab, golimumab, adalimumab, or infliximab. Keep in mind that there might be some side effects after taking, so make sure to read the instructions or labels carefully before using it. [1]